Beyoncé returned to the stage for her first full concert in over two years over the weekend and it’s safe to say that she did it in style. While the performance has been controversial due to Dubai’s laws against same sex relationships, especially when considering that Beyoncé’s most recent album Renaissance celebrates queer culture, fans have been divided with some applauding Bey’s allyship in spite of this performance. The one thing that fans can agree on, however, is that (as always) the looks were phenomenal.
Queen Bey took to the stage, opening with a cover of Etta James’ ‘At Last’ who Beyoncé portrayed in the 2008 biopic Cadillac Records, in a vibrant yellow gown by Omani designer Rayan Al Sulaimani for Atelier Zuhra. The gown was monochromatic but was broken up by a variety of textures including feathers and Atelier Zuhra’s trademark mosaic appliqué.
For her next look, Beyoncé changed into a rich red jumpsuit with a ballgown-esque train flowing from the waist and long sheer gloves that created a regal ensemble on the music royalty. The look came complete with an array of gold embellishments and a headpiece that resembled the sun, a crown, and a halo all at once. The majestic look was devised by Lebanese designer Nicolas Jebran who also dressed the star for the 2018 Grammy Awards.
Never one to shy away from a statement look, Beyoncé closed the show in a crystal encrusted baby pink minidress by Ukrainian designer Ivan Frolov. Frolov took to Instagram to share the proud moment, captioning the post:
“In my native country, the war that takes the lives of Ukrainians every day, destroys the fates and dreams of hundreds of thousands of people. And currently the only dream that inspires me and adds strength is the dream of Ukraine’s victory. Creating an image for Kyiv was one of my cherished dreams during the pre-war times, but it came true right now, in a time of difficult trials for my country, thanks to the hard and painstaking work of the selfless and creative, professional @frolovheart team, in different parts of the world and in our home @beyonce , under shelling, and sometimes without light.”
The look was intricately detailed and holds its own regardless of the circumstances under which it was made, but when you consider that it was designed and made in a war-torn country during blackouts, the true beauty of this look is emphasised by the hope and resilience that exists behind it.
In addition to her performance looks, Beyoncé took to the red carpet in a custom Dolce & Gabbana gown that placed her at centre stage. No other looks even compared. In a floor-length sparkling and sheer gold gown with a voluptuous train, Bey made the red carpet her own.
Words by Amelia Gregory
Header Image: Beyonce
